Hilleberg Tent thread

[greg c]

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[Stephen M]

I had hoped to pitch the Nammatj today, but got caught up clearing ice from the driveway and other household chores. Maybe next weekend, hopefully will get to try out on a trip in 2 weeks.

[Eric Parks]

My significant other was kind enough to give me a Nammatj 2 as a birthday gift last June. From the moment I set it up, I fell in love with it.

A little background info; I typically use a very capable, and really light TarpTent Notch as my normal goto tent, but I wanted something larger for winter weather and for times when weight doesn't matter so much. I really enjoy my TarpTent, and it as fine tent. It can handle pretty much anything I'll ever throw it. However, I have to say that the construction quality of the Hilleberg is just something else all together (as it should be considering price and weight).

This past weekend I camped out in 30-50mph winds, and the Nammatj didn't even flinch. The inner layer of the tent barely moved at all. Considering the conditions, it was as stable of a shelter as I could hope for.

I snow tested it last month, and again, it passed with flying colors. It will sag under a lot of snow, so it's not a tent you can just set up in a heavy snow and leave it unattended for hours. That said, I let snow pile on it for longer than I normally would, just to see how it handled it, nothing broke, and it is just a matter of one tap to the roof and the snow sheds easily.

Finally, whoever had the idea to make the inner layer yellow had a stroke of genius that day. The inside of a Hilleberg is like a reality distortion field. No matter how nasty it is outside, after a few minutes the warm yellow light makes you forget all about it.

Pros:
+Extremely stable in winds
+Very spacious for a two person tent
+Very well made
+Inner layer is never exposed to weather
+Large vestibule
+Haven't seen a single drop of condensation

Cons:
-Door opening is a bit small
-Sags under heavy snow load
-It's a sweat box in warm weather. I wouldn't use this tent in hot weather in the sun.
-Expensive

Fun facts:
Trail weight according to my scale: 88oz.
Set up time: 6 mins.

If interested, I uploaded a gallery of hires pics to imgur:
http://imgur.com/a/bn5st

[Stephen M]

Nice Pics Eric,

[Eric Blumensaadt]

Stephen,

Ahhhh, I must respectfully disagree, the Soulo isn't really and "AKTO with cross poles". The Soulo is more of a semi-dome.

But, as I mentioned, the AKTO COULD have X-ing poles inside the fly and make it a winter tent. I say that with confidence because it's big brother (in design) is the Scarp 2, which I have modded in with internal X-ing poles.

Recently we had, yet again, winds with 65 mph gusts and my modded Scarp 2 did very well, with no distortion of the poles in high gusts. (My neighbors must think I'm a few bricks short of a load when I put my Scarp 2 up in the nearby park in high winds.)

[Stephen M]

Thats great Eric it withstood those winds.

[Stuart .]

Eric – Nice write-up on your Nammatj 2, and great pics.

I wrote earlier in this thread that when I was choosing a Hilleberg, I debated long and hard between the Nammatj and the Kaitum. In the end I chose the Kaitum 3 for its two vestibules, and vertical doors on both ends maximizing interior space. I've used it a number of times as a group shelter and it's been great.

Last year I sold a Soulo, which I found a bit cramped for my needs, but ironically led to a dilemma about what to use for solo winter trips, and shoulder season trips with my young son. The Kaitum 3 seemed overkill, so I started looking at the 2P tents I poured over the brochure and online reviews, and visited Neptune Mountaineering to see what they had on the floor. The Nallo just didn't cut it for me, and the freestanding / self supporting models were far too heavy.

I wound up walking out with a Nammatj 2. I considered the GT vestibule, which would be great for two, but a 24oz disincentive to take it for Solo trips. So I stuck with the regular model. It has far more space than the Nallo 2, thanks to the equal length poles, and having two vents toward the top, I reckoned ventilation would be better too. 3' shorter and 18-20" narrower than the Kaitum 3, it's much easier to stomp out a snow platform or for general site selection purposes. The single vestibule is large enough for two decent sized packs, but there would have been little space left over for my 65lb dog.

I've been out in it twice so far, once solo and once with my son. Both were in snow. The first trip I went for maximum ventilation, unzipped the vents and the inner tent door completely. Zero condensation in just a slight breeze. The second trip my son was with me on his first winter camping trip and temps dropped 10F lower than forecast (to 4F) after a day in a thaw cycle, so I dropped the fabric but kept the mesh in place over the vents and the inner tent door. My son decided he wanted to sleep with his head away from the door. At 5'9" I was also able to sleep that way, without my head brushing the angled foot of the inner tent. However these were all factors on a night with no breeze whatsoever, and by midnight the inner tent was coated in frozen condensation. Every time my son moved we were treated to a hoarfrost shower. Lesson learned: next time I'll open all the vents unless it's blowing hard.

A few things to fine-tune, but I am very happy with the Nammatj 2. The nearly vertical walls and non-sloping roof mean it's comfortable for two adults. Definitely not UL, but perfect for my winter pulk trips and manageable in my 65 litre pack if I have to carry it.

The only annoyance on the trip was discovering how easy it is to bend a Hilleberg snow and sand stake. Deadman style only from now on.

[Stephen M]

Finally got around to pitching the Nammatj today, it is really nice and passes "will my wife sleep in it" test.

[Stephen M]

Here are some on the Unna, I have yet to use this in anger as
as have been using the kaitium 3 and Golite sl3 this winter.

1396787119_102496.jpg" alt="3" width="550" height="413">

[Ken Thompson]

Mine did not get out of the bag this winter either Stephen. We match.

[Stephen M]

Most of my trips lately have been with buddies Ken, so hence
Using the bigger tents. I must start using it.

[Stuart .]

I don't know why the Unna doesn't get as much press as the Akto or the Soulo. It looks to be the most livable of the 1P Hillies.

Here's a few more of my Nammatj in action, and my son's assessment:

[Stephen M]

Nice pictures Stuart :-)

Besides Ken I don't think I know anyone on the US with an Unna, but do know lots of
folk in the Uk who do.

[Stephen M]

An Anjan 3GT is on route to Chez M as we speak.

If it passes the "Wife likes it test" then it should see some use this summer.

[Stephen M]

Some pics of the Anjan 3 Gt.

It was pitched hurriedly straight out of the box as rain was looming, so my apologies for the crappy pitch and photos.
Will get some batter ones when I can.

This was purchased specifically for weekend trips with my wife, both in the US and Ireland, she loves our Kaitum 3 but its a pig to carry by myself.

[Stuart .]

I swear my first apartment was smaller than that. It's hard to believe the Soulo is the same weight as this. From the initial complaints about the Anjan, Hilleberg seem to have made some improvements with this model. However I do notice the right side zip is missing from the GT vestibule. Shame – that was a really nice feature on the GT versions of the Nallo and Kaitum.

Looking forward to a.trip report, Stephen.

[Stephen M]

Hi Stuart,

A phone call to Hilleberg informed me that the
Outer had been lengthened and that the GT version had zipper covers due to the pole sleeves. To be honest I would not of purchased either the first it non GT version.

I am just back from a trip to the Adk so no
chance to test in anger yet but may do so next weekend.

My initial thoughts its a really well thought
out 3season shelter, it was either this or the Tarp Tent CB3.

[Brandon Richards]

I don't have a lot of experience with this brand, but I'm curious… So at the risk of sounding somewhat ignorant on the matter I would ask one simple question: What is it about these tents that make them so expensive?

[Stephen M]

Its the design, materials, workmanship and customer service.

They actually are very cheap in the US compared to Europe

[Brandon Richards]

Can you be a little more specific? Their FAQ pretends to answer this question talking about the "Kerlon" fabric that they use. But it seems to be it has to be more than just that. I understand that they are also hand made, but still, 800 dollars for a 2 person 3 season tent is a lot even for that. Then 1600 for a 4 person 4 season tent?! What else is it about these tents that makes them stand out? They aren't really all that lite, so obviously not aimed at backpackers. I'm not discounting their quality nor am I saying they aren't worth the cost, I just want to understand a little more about the brand from the people that use them (you guys), and not just read more marketing fluff.

Maybe I am answering my own question here… still there are other options with similar functionality and features. The Saitaris for example, a 4 season expedition tents that sleeps four is 1600 dollars. Compare that to say the MH Trango 4, also an expedition tent that sleeps four, looks just as sturdy although doesn't have the cool vestibule of the Hilleberg.

Anyhow, I ask because I am looking to possibly buy something for some winter mountaineering next year, but until now I haven't even considered these. If they are truly worth the extra cost then they might have to get added to the list. That said, I will not be climbing Everest or anything so I may not quite need something so bomb proof.

[Stuart .]

Hilleberg are a small company whose only product line is their shelters. Sales volumes are small by outdoor gear manufacturer standards.

Although many of their materials are now sourced and possibly pre-cut in South Korea, all assembly work is done in Europe by a single person, from start to finish. That all makes their labour costs considerably higher than an outsourced fab and assembly process in China.

These shelters – especially the Black Series models – are built to withstand the extremes of polar expeditions and are often used as mobile labs for scientific research in those climates. Most of them are seriously overbuilt for casual winter weekend camping trips in the lower 48 states, but if you do buy one, it will last a decade or longer of regular use assuming it's cleaned and stored dry after use. The upfront cost is not insignificant, but in the long term it may be cheaper than buying multiple cheaper shelters that wear out sooner.

As Stephen indicated, Hilleberg prices in the rest of the world are significantly higher than in the US.

[Stephen M]

Brandon,

Stuart's answer is far more informed than mine would be.

I have used dozens of different tents on European and US mountains
in the last 25 years and Hilleberg are by far the best built and easy to pitch.

I would suggest you order Hillebergs free catalogue to read, and have a feel of the sample material provided, I also highly recommend you call Hilleberg and a Hilleberg dealer for a chat. In fact Charles who posted on this thread is a Hilleberg dealer.

If you get the right Hilleberg for your height and intended use you will not at all be disappointed. If you did order one pitch it in on plastic and use other pegs so you can return it if needs be.

Best of luck with your search.

[stephen billings]

Good ?'s Brandon- and understandable to wonder if you have not seen or tried a Hilleberg. They are truly a great tent for serious weather- when people really depend on having a stout safe shelter. And as said above- they are very well built and will last if taken care of properly.

As far as costs and other products go- you can find some that are less made in SE Asia- but in my opinion they are not a Hilleberg. And then there are some higher priced models available from MSR and BA. But IMO- they are not quite a Hilleberg. For example a Big Agnes String Ridge 2 Tent (4 season) tent at REI is $650- which is certainly getting close to Hilleberg pricing. ( A Hilleberg Nallo 2 costs $685, and a Nammatj 2 costs $695).

http://www.rei.com/product/776502/big-agnes-string-ridge-2-tent

And for comparably priced high end UL gear- check out these prices from HMG ( and there is not much there in materials, and certainly in the way of material costs:

There UltaMids 2 and 4 are priced at $675 and $825 respectively. I know they are well thought of- but you certainly would not be able to say that they are inexpensive.

http://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/hiking-climbing-shelters/mids.html

So… it is good we have so many shelters to pick from now days. And that is a very good thing. There are probably more shelters available today than there ever has been.

[Stephen M]

Well put Stephen :-)

[Aaron]

My Hillberg Anjan 2 at Sanctuary River in Denali National Park.

[Author]

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